Christmas Eve Balcony Carols at the Old State House

This Christmas Eve, Revolutionary Spaces revives a long-forgotten Boston holiday tradition: live carols performed from the historic balcony of the Old State House. For the first time since World War II, the sounds of seasonal music will once again ring out over State Street, inviting passersby to pause, gather, and share in the spirit of the season. Originally introduced in 1913 by the Bostonian Society (Revolutionary Spaces’ predecessor organization), the balcony carols marked the start of the holiday season and the close of the business year in Boston’s financial district. The tradition came to an abrupt halt in 1942 when military buglers were deployed during World War II—and it never resumed. This year, Revolutionary Spaces proudly restores this century-old civic celebration, reconnecting past and present in one of Boston’s most storied public spaces. The 30-minute program features live trumpet performances of historic, public-domain carols documented in early 20th-century setlists, including favorites such as Adeste Fideles, Jingle Bells, The First Noel, and Angels We Have Heard on High. A bell ringing and town-crier–style announcement from the balcony will precede the music, honoring the return of this beloved holiday custom. This program is co-sponsored by the <a href="https://www.downtownboston.org/">Downtown Boston Alliance</a> and is free and open to the public thanks to their generous support. The program will begin promptly at 12:00 PM.

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